08/29/2023 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Update

 

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Contact: Gala Miller, Public Affairs Officer (360) 891 5014 gala.miller@usda.gov https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/ Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Update 8/29/2023– 8 pm  A number of fires burning on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are now being called the Cowlitz Complex. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 will take command of the complex of fires at 6am on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 6 am and will be based out of Randle, WA. A community meeting is being planned for next week.  A strong cold front is passing through the region today bringing with it increasing moisture and rainfall. This will help reduce fire activity. However, gusty winds are expected with the passing front, which may increase fire activity.  Fire suppression resources are being committed only where they have high probability of success and can operate safely and effectively. Firefighters continue to engage with fire suppression efforts on numerous fires around the forest making headway on containment on several of the new fires. Resources assigned to these fires now exceed 250 personnel with additional support anticipated in the coming days. New infrared mapping of the fires burning near Snagtooth Mountain show two larger fires currently burning near each other. These are the Snagtooth Fire now estimated to be 287 acres in size, and the Spencer Quartz Fire believed to be 162 acres in size.  In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails will be closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341 (currently off limits), Boundary Trail #1(from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. Forest users are reminded to plan and prepare for any potential impacts from smoke or delays/closures related to fire or suppression activities. Campfires are banned across the forest due to fire danger. Gas stoves and propane fire pits are currently allowed on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, as they can immediately be turned off and are not left to smolder.   Fire Information Phone Line: (360) 497-1111 Forest Web Site: Fire Information and Map ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.